Browser Video Player Layout for Expanded Smartphone Viewing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The limited screen real estate of smartphones and technical constraints of browser software environments restrict the display of content, limiting user experience and enjoyment, especially when viewing videos.
Innovation Solution
A computing device and method that utilizes a video player client to display videos in multiple regions within a browser window, adjusting display modes and z-ordering to maximize screen space, allowing concurrent playback of multiple videos while hiding unnecessary browser elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If browser elements (address bar, navigation bar) are displayed in the browser window, then browser functionality is maintained, but video viewing area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic display modes that allow the video player to transition between different states. In the first display mode, browser elements are visible. In the second display mode, the video player expands vertically to hide the browser navigation bar and address bar, maximizing the video viewing area. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt between maintaining browser functionality and maximizing video viewing space based on user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical dimension expansion by changing the display mode from a compact state (first display mode) to an expanded state (second display mode). The video player client increases its vertical footprint in the second display mode, pushing browser elements out of the visible area. This dimensional change allows the system to maximize video viewing area while maintaining browser functionality in a different spatial arrangement.
2Ease of operation
If video player tool bar is displayed below the video, then video controls are accessible, but screen real estate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The video player tool bar dynamically repositions based on display mode. In the first display mode, the tool bar is positioned in a compact location. In the second display mode, the tool bar moves to a position above the video or integrates with the browser interface, allowing it to remain accessible while minimizing its impact on the available screen space for video content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the video player tool bar with the browser interface elements in the second display mode. The tool bar is repositioned to overlap with or integrate with the browser navigation bar and address bar area, combining multiple interface elements into a compact arrangement that maintains accessibility while maximizing video viewing space.
3Productivity
If multiple videos are displayed concurrently, then user engagement is enhanced, but display space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the vertical dimension to display multiple videos concurrently. In the second display mode, the expanded video player client can show the current video in a large central area while previewing additional videos in the vertical space above or below the main video area. This vertical stacking approach allows multiple videos to be displayed without significantly increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby maintaining user engagement while managing display space efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device for expanding video viewing area is provided, including processing circuitry configured to execute a video player client using a browser program. The video player client is configured to display a first video of a video feed in a first display region of the GUI in a first display mode in which a browser address bar, a browser navigation bar, the first video, and a video player tool bar of the video player client are displayed. The video player client is configured to display a second video in a second display region in a second display mode in which the second video, the video player tool bar, and a third video are displayed. The second display region is vertically larger than the first display region, and the third video is displayed below the second video and under the video player tool bar and over the navigation bar.